National Conference president Farooq Abdullah stated on Wednesday that ‘Operation Sindoor’ has proven effective, but emphasized that “wars do not bring a solution, only misery.” Abdullah voiced his concerns about international conflicts and their repercussions during a press briefing at the party headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir.
“(Operation) Sindoor has indeed paid its dividends. I think there is no more question of wars. Wars do not bring a solution; they only lead to misery,” he remarked. He drew parallels to the ongoing destruction in Ukraine and the Middle Eastern conflicts, highlighting the adverse impact these wars have on global stability, including energy supplies. “Look at the situation of gas supplies here. It will take Qatar a year or two to restore gas supplies,” he stated.
Responding to questions regarding the Gulf crisis, Abdullah expressed a firm belief that the world is not ready for war. “The economic conditions of every country are already bad, and no country wants a war right now,” he noted. He emphasized the significant role of the Middle East in oil and gas extraction, warning that continued pressure on this region could destabilize the global economy further. “If pressure continues, the situation in the world will be so dire that it will be difficult to survive,” he added.
During the press conference, Abdullah also commented on the recent state assembly election results, acknowledging the controversies surrounding them. “I see the results like everyone else. Mamata Banerjee has raised concerns about rigging—this reflects the situation in Bengal. Other regions are seeing changes too, with Tamil Nadu set to welcome a new government, Congress winning in Kerala, and the BJP making gains in Assam,” he explained.
He addressed the potential impact of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls on these elections, stating, “There was an impact from everything.” Abdullah expressed confidence in the opposition INDIA bloc’s strength, asserting that it remains a robust force in the political landscape.
On the recent blasts occurring in Punjab, Abdullah downplayed concerns. “Blasts have been happening in India; this is nothing new. You should not panic,” he advised, suggesting that such incidents are not uncommon.
Regarding the criticism directed at the NC government in Jammu and Kashmir, he welcomed the opposition’s scrutiny. “It is good that the opposition is doing its job. If they don’t, how will they survive? Let them say what they wish. Our party is operating as it should, and we will continue to do so,” he concluded.
